On 20 Mar 2009, a CESSNA 172A operated by VENABLE JAMES D and Bruce McDonald was involved in an aviation accident near Corsicana, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot experienced a hard landing in a single-engine airplane after the stall horn sounded during flare. The nose gear collapsed, and the airplane was consumed by fire after the pilot egressed.
Incident Overview
A student pilot was conducting a normal approach to the runway in a single-engine airplane at approximately 70 miles per hour. During the landing flare, the stall horn activated, prompting the pilot to release back pressure on the control wheel. Subsequently, the airplane landed hard on the runway, causing the nose gear to collapse. The airplane skidded across the runway before coming to a complete stop.
Egress and Post-Impact Fire
The pilot was able to safely egress the airplane. After the pilot exited, the airplane was consumed by a post-impact fire.
Aircraft Damage
The nose gear collapsed during the hard landing, and the airplane sustained fire damage after the incident.